Although design does not play a big part in a typical workday for Nogueira, his philosophy is similar to one of a designer. Based on the idea that everything must be done with consciousness of purpose and design intention, he considers every project unique and therefore requires a distinct solution. Most importantly, he says, you need to keep an open mind and make an effort to see things the way the client does. If not, it becomes easy to get lost and begin working on the project as if it was meant for you.

“First, you have to learn how to listen and fully understand the needs and requirements of your client,” says Nogueira. “Communication is essential for this, so never ever take it for granted.”

Nogueira founded DECC 3D Art in 1994, with the purpose of satisfying clients’ needs for architectural visual communication. Since then, he has completed more than 1,500 projects all over the world and has worked with some of the best Mexican and U.S. firms. He has addressed audiences at Mexico’s top universities and has been CINEMA 4D’s demo artist in the Cut and Paste competition. DECC´s work has been featured in some of the most prestigious magazines in Mexico.

Over the past two years almost all of Nogueira’s projects inside the Mexico City area have involved revitalization, including areas of public space, entire streets, and historic buildings.

“Fortunately Mexico, and many big cities in the past decade, have focused on the revitalization of great areas, bringing economic growth and vitality to several underdeveloped neighborhoods,” says Nogueira.

One of Nogueira’s favorite revitalization projects is the Mexican Revolution Monument and its new pedestrian downtown connection in Mexico City. The monument was in oblivion for many years until its restoration and is now known as one of the most beautiful, modern parks in Mexico City.

“We know architecture is the art of creating and altering spaces,” says Nogueira. “So, it basically means that architects have the potential and responsibility of transforming the world into a better place. The thing that we have to keep in mind to make this happen is to create revitalization projects for a greater good and try to benefit the most people possible.”

With the competition’s theme being revitalization, Nogueira will be looking for entries that create real benefits for all inhabitants. “I believe that the real value you can give to the reuse of land is social conscience,” says Nogueira.

Visualization will also be important to this judge. Aspects such as rendering, modeling, and animation should be taken into account since images transmit the project’s concept. In addition, he claims that just like in any art form, the clearer the message is to the spectator, the better.

His advice to participants is something he typically says to everyone: “Anybody can pay you to work hard, but no money can make you put all your heart into your work. This comes from loving what you do.”